Good to hear that things have been working out for you then! And honestly if you're not having an issue at this time I'd definitely go the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" route. I would definitely replace it with an OEM gasket in the future if the issue arises again. Truthfully a gasket is a gasket.....I think it would behoove KW to just supply an OEM Honda gasket with the appropriate instruction, a little more money, but a ton more reliability in that regard. OR they could simply just redesign their current gasket to be properly formed as opposed to what looks like it just being stamped out of a flat piece of gasket material like a cookie cutter, lol.

Pretty cool setup you have going on with the oil cooler! I guess in my case I really don't have access to the materials or tools necessary to fabricate custom bracketry, and mounting solutions that utilize pre-existing points just make me really happy. Regarding the brake ducting I think you could just as easily add the duct and then branch it out, one going to the cooler core and the other going to your brakes, but it sounds like you already have a setup and a plan, but I think the cooler setup posted is still an excellent solution for others.

I myself was personally thinking of buying a new OEM bumper and just cutting out the fake ducts as well as the grille mounting provisions....It looks pretty damn clean honestly, especially if you have an intercooler occupying the space. This is one of my favorite s2000s on insta. He plans on boosting in the future, so it won't look quite as naked and unfinished in the center without an intercooler.

Holy hell....you're not messing around regarding the VTEC solenoid. I was actually thinking about some kind of Heli-coil setup, considering on the driver's side it seems tapping out the hole further and using a longer bolt is a recommended safety measure. If you're going that far why not just take it a step further like you did and install time serts or helicoils? Good to know someone has done it and is having great success! Is there a specified torque spec when mounting the VTEC solenoid bracket beyond the factory 7-10 ft/lbs? It's so damn easy to exceed that value with a 1/4" ratchet....I just can't see how something with all of that load and vibration placed upon it could remain secure at such a low torque value. Adding those inserts increases the clamping force significantly by allowing you to tighten those bolts a lot more. I think I may consider going that route and adding those inserts on both sides of the head as a preventative measure, as well as maybe using a lower strength purple threadlocker just as added protection against vibration etc. I wouldn't wanna be wrenching too hard on the aluminum head with blue threadlocker, even with inserts installed. Safety wire is another great solution though, and something else I'm considering. Thank you for chiming in!

OR you could just do this LOL.

ARP hardware is way better than grade 8 bolts....and depending on the source of those bolts (wherever KW could get them the cheapest) they may not be of the best quality. ARP is much more resistant to shearing, grade 8 bolts are strong, but brittle, and the issues with the KW kit has been due to bolts sheering from lateral forces.

This is why even KW themselves provide ARP bolts for the VTEC solenoid bracket over the previous grade 8 hardware they used to supply.